Lads salute Dele after PFA gong

Posted on 25 April 2016
- 10:07

Several players have added their voices to the chorus of praise for Dele Alli after he picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award on Sunday night.

The 20-year-old has made a huge impact in his first season at the top level following his move up from MK Dons last year and prior to tonight’s (Monday, April 25) home match against West Bromwich Albion, he has 10 goals in 32 Premier League appearances to his name.

Having also played his way into the senior England national team reckoning this term, Dele currently has six caps and one international goal – a real stunner against France at Wembley – on his CV.

After his recognition at the PFA Awards on Sunday night, a number of his team-mates have paid tribute to the talented starlet…

CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (Danish Football Player of the Year, 2013, 2014, 2015)

“I helped him prepare his speech! No, seriously, he’s earned it with all he’s done this season and it’s definitely been a year to remember, first of all club-wise but also for himself. He’s achieved a lot and shown who he really is.

“It’s always nice to be in the team with good players around you – that’s not just Dele but everyone really. If you have good players around you then you play better.

“Of course, we all try to help Dele and Dele tries to help us. He gets a lot of credit and he deserves it.”

ERIK LAMELA

“He’s doing really well. I think he deserves this award and, for me, he’s one of the best young players in the league. It’s really good to score 10 goals in his first season in the Premier League and I’m very happy for him.”

BEN DAVIES

“Dele’s been superb, he’s probably exceeded everybody’s expectations of him and I’m delighted for him – I think he deserves everything that’s coming his way at the moment. He’s playing with freedom and the quality that he’s got is showing out on the field every week.

“He’s a very popular lad as well, he gets on well with everyone. He’s just a nice kid and that’s another good thing about him – it’s not just that he’s a good player, he’s a good person as well. To score 10 goals in his first season is not bad either and hopefully there’s a lot more to come from him.”

HARRY KANE (PFA Young Player of the Year, 2014-15)

“It's great for Dele and he fully deserves it. He’s been great all year and the fact that it’s his first season in the Premier League makes it even more impressive. I was very proud to have won it last year and I'm sure he will feel the same way!”

JAN VERTONGHEN

“It’s an unbelievable story. From the first day he came in he’s fitted in well, he’s always happy to take the ball and he’s a very confident guy on and off the pitch.

“Even when he doesn’t play his best game, you have to leave him on the pitch because he can score goals out of nowhere and that’s a great quality. He’s a great player and a joy to play alongside.”

NABIL BENTALEB

“He’s come up a long way – he was in League One last season and now he’s the PFA Young Player of the Year so I’m really pleased for him and I hope he continues on this path.

“To score the goals that he has done this season is really good for him and I hope he keeps going next season. He’s gelled in really well here, he’s a very nice guy, he’s always smiling and he’s a great character to have around the club.”